'14,000 runs for a reason' - Root calm on form

Joe Root is "not too concerned" about his recent modest returns with the bat, saying he has "14,000 runs for a reason".

Captain Root, England's all-time leading Test run-scorer, has passed 50 only twice this summer. An average of 29.44 is his second-lowest in a home season in a 14-year international career.

The 35-year-old has been lbw nine times in his past seven Tests, including on seven occasions this summer.

But Root pointed to the challenge faced by all batters against the moving ball in the UK this summer and his own remarkable Test career. Only India great Sachin Tendulkar has more than the Yorkshireman's 14,208 runs.

"I've played this game a long time and I've always found ways of solving those problems and working it through," Root told the BBC's Today at the Test. "I don't see this as being any different.

"There's a reason why I've got 14,000 runs and a reason why I've played the best part of 15 years at this level.

"Of course it's frustrating that there's sort of a trend. There are probably four umpires' calls within that, which could have gone the other way, and the ball is probably deviating more than it ever has.

"You try and be realistic and understand where everything's at, but also be aware of what you need to do to keep improving and keep getting better. I'm pretty sure I'll get through the other side. I'm not too concerned about that."